Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts partners Netflix to train Nigerian actors, writers
By Editor
LUFODO Academy of Performing Arts, a leading arts institution in Nigeria, has announced an innovative collaboration with Netflix, the world’s leading streaming entertainment service. Through this initiative, talented actors for the screen and experienced screenwriters will undergo training with the goal of improving the local talent pool and promote Nigerian stories on the global stage. This initiative is funded through the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, a dedicated effort to help identify, train and provide job placement for the next generation of talent from underrepresented communities around the world.
The collaboration is a significant milestone for Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which has been developing and nurturing young talent in the Nigerian entertainment industry for over a decade. With this partnership, the academy will leverage Netflix’s global reach and industry expertise to produce quality content that reflects the rich culture and diverse stories of Nigeria.
The selected actors and screenwriters will receive hands-on training and guidance from industry professionals throughout the duration of the programme. They will also have the opportunity to be part of a local production, which will give them exposure to new audiences.
Speaking on the partnership, the Co-CEO of Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, said, “We are excited to partner with Netflix on this ground-breaking initiative. The academy has always been committed to promoting the Nigerian arts and entertainment industry, and this partnership is a significant step towards achieving that aim. We are confident that the selected actors and writers will gain invaluable skills and experience through this programme, and we look forward to seeing them contribute to the growth and development of the industry.
Joke Silva and Soji Jacobs
“We are excited to announce that Ronya Man Art and ACCELERATETV have joined as technical and creative, sponsors for the collaboration between Netflix and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. Their expertise and creativity support will help ensure the success and quality of this ground-breaking project. We are pleased to have them as partners and look forward to this exciting journey together.”
The training, which started on Monday, July 10, 2023, had the audition panel that included of industry greats such as Ajoke Silva, Femi Odugbemi, Ronya Man and Omonor Somolu. LAPA’s management team is made up of Co-CEO Performing Arts, Ajoke Silva, Co-CEO Strategy & Operations: Ifeoma Monye, Operations and Strategy: Omoh Imoukhuede, Head Business Development & Programme Director: Soji Jacobs, Programme Supervisor: Bunmi Adewale and Administrative Officer: Richard Ojadi. Also acting training instructors included Ajoke Silva; Toyin Oshinaike; Adeniran Makinde; Bunmi Adewale; Omonor Somolu; Ronya Man; and Tosan Ugbeye while movement instructor was Zara Ejoh and voice instructor was Juliet Akighir Onyekachukwu. Screenwriting instructors included Ololade Okedare (Netflix-trained Story Development Executive) and Eniola Ayobola .
